MANDAPA, BALI, INDONESIA

BEST FOR: ALL-OUT RELAXATION FOR THE MIND, BODY AND SOULNOT FOR: THOSE NEEDING AN URBAN BUZZ. IT’S LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE HERE

Even before getting stuck into any wellness agendas, all-new Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, nurtures with a therapeutic and re-energising sanctuary which aims to “relax one’s mind, body and soul” – the ancient Sanskrit word Mandapa further translates as ‘temple.’ Typical of all Ritz-Carlton boutique Reserves – this, their third globally – Mandapa comes inspired by a sense of place, here, the highland town of Ubud, for centuries, a hotbed of spirituality, natural healing traditions, healers and practitioners, or ‘Balians,’ who work with divine energy and ancient rituals to promote well-being. Secluded away from daily distractions, Mandapa immerses guests in Ubud culture, nature and traditional village life – albeit with Ritz-Carlton’s off-the-charts standards.

Mandapa Spa, is however where the real wellness kicks-in. A timbered complex strung along the riverbank, treatment huts and the relaxation lounge are semi-open, allowing sounds of the fast-flowing rapids to induce complete zone-out. Complimentary inclusions cover daily yoga sessions in the yoga studio and vitality pool, elevated above the river. Treatments draw inspiration from Ubud’s heritage of herbal medicinal remedies with a strongly rooted connection to age-old healing therapies: highlights include Ceremonies for Two, evoking traditional Balinese rituals, with the blissful Royal Spice Ceremony (2.5 hours) and Yoga Meditation, with an Ubud yoga Swami practicing Pranawayu, a unique Balinese-style yoga that he created, which focuses on awareness and energy from within the body.

Mandapa’s signature is holistic wellness and lifestyle programmes, based on six pillars and contributing to life-changing rejuvenation, optimal health and natural healing elements. Balinese Spa, Detox, Nutrition, Alternative Therapy, Body Therapy and Healing programmes are overseen by a dedicated health and wellness consultant, who from personal wellness consultations and body assessments formulizes bespoke programmes for individual needs. These are inclusive of hand-picked, international and local health specialists, authentic healers and therapists, spa facilities and Mandapa’s regular classes and weekend workshops, with activities ranging from couple’s massage and traditional Balinese dancing to juice workshops.

Mandapa draws from an extraordinary pool of local healers, administering their indigenous energy, body and mind work in the retreats. “Stars” include a royal healer and shaman, who happens to be the last King of Ubud’s grandson and a celebrity favourite, a gifted blind reflexologist who uses her intuitive awareness, body scanning and energy channeling to heal and a Reiki master whose powerful sessions cleanses guests of negative energy; he also doubles as a Rain Stopper – an in-demand Balinese occupation for important events.

PRICE: From £367 per night including breakfast, based on two people sharingCONTACT: Tel: +62 361 4792777; email: reservations.mandapa@ritzcarlton.comNEAREST AIRPORT: Bali Ngurah Rai International AirportTRANSFER TIME: One hour